Gratitude Meditation

By Kate Bennett, PsyD

In our fast-paced culture, life tends to feel busy. We seem to have so much to do and not enough time to get everything done. So often, the fun of well-intended activities is replaced by the stress of fitting the activity in or doing it right.

However, right now at this very moment, you have the choice to tackle life differently. You can reclaim your joy by grounding your heart and mind in gratitude. Taking a moment out of your day to meditate can help shift your headspace from anxious and overwhelmed to focused and grounded. 

The truth is that we can only manage our thoughts, feelings, and emotions at this very moment. Thinking ahead to all that needs to get done or worrying about what has not yet been completed leads our minds to a state of anxiety. Or, as we so commonly refer to it, feeling stressed. And, while we cannot multiply hours or put a pause on life to catch up, we have the choice to ground ourselves in the present moment. Meditation resets your nervous system allowing you to proceed from a neutral baseline instead of the all-to-familiar fight-or-flight stress response. Ironically, your nervous system treats busyness as dangerous as a saber-toothed tiger hunting you down for dinner. Fortunately, you have the awareness to realize that you are not actually in danger and, in fact, you can remind your nervous system to simmer down with the practice of mindfulness. 

So, whether you are training for your next competition, recovering from the season, or simply trying to keep up with life, I invite you to join me in a short guided meditation.